Abstract: The present invention relates to tracking of a passenger flow in an elevator car. A passenger flow tracking system for an elevator car according to the present invention includes: a first Bluetooth module installed in the elevator car, the first Bluetooth module being configured to broadcast a first Bluetooth signal that can substantially cover the interior of the elevator car and receive a response fed back by a personal mobile terminal carried by a passenger inside the elevator car; and a passenger flow determining unit configured to at least determine, based on a change in the received response, that the passenger leaves and/or enters the elevator car.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic elevator call control, and belongs to the field of elevator intelligent control technologies. An automatic elevator call system provided in the present invention calculates duration information from the moment when the personal mobile terminal leaves coverage of the wireless signal to the moment when the personal mobile terminal enters the coverage again, and when the duration information is less than or equal to a preset time threshold, causes the personal mobile terminal to be incapable of automatically sending an elevator call request command in a time period from the moment when the personal mobile terminal enters the coverage again to the moment when the personal mobile terminal leaves the coverage again. The present invention can effectively avoid invalid or abnormal elevator call request operations, and the elevator system achieves high running efficiency.

Abstract: A sealing unit used to block liquid comprises a sealing block, a receiving hole, a wire-through hole, and a sealing piece. The receiving hole penetrates the sealing block. The sealing piece is received in the receiving hole. A surface of the sealing block is in contact with the receiving hole. A material of the sealing piece is elastic material. The sealing piece is penetrated by the wire-through hole and forms an open penetrating structure. The present disclosure also provides a wireless intercom device using the sealing unit.

Abstract: Multiple POS checkout system efficiency factors, based in part upon actual contents of shopping containers and time sequences of images of facial expressions of individual shoppers, are iteratively calculated using computer-based analytics responsive to randomized individual shopper arrivals at a set of point of sale (POS) checkout systems within a store. At least one of a change to a different queue or a change to a different position within a queue of at least one shopping container associated with an individual shopper is identified that results in a more consistent distribution of the calculated multiple POS checkout system efficiency factors across the set of POS checkout systems. At least one shopping container is directed to the different queue or the different position within the queue to improve overall POS checkout system efficiency across the set of POS checkout systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring a clinical condition of a subject is described. A motion sensor senses motion of the subject without contacting or viewing the subject, and generates a sensed motion signal responsive to the sensed motion. A signal analyzer is adapted to analyze the motion signal to identify a cough in the subject. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Method and application for communicating sensitive information, incident reporting, and for acceleration of urgent situation responses and supervision allowing for school administrators, teachers, professors, users, submitters, or receivers, to instantly report credible threats, or dangerous situations. In at least one current embodiment, a Smart Button is a digital situation button for use by any submitter to instantly report their GPS map location, name, title, contact information, picture and/or workplace. Submitters can receive and/or send 1-way or at least 2-way communications. At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for sending, receiving, reporting or responding to mood related, time-sensitive, live situation, or secretive messages, through a one-step anonymous, or with a specific degree of anonymity, or non-anonymous submit and targeted authorized receipt process, generating, assigning, and utilizing unique identifiers with a corresponding administrative report generating process.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus and a method of notifying persons within a vicinity of the patient support apparatus are disclosed. The patient support apparatus includes a patient support structure for supporting a patient, an actuator for moving the patient, a notification system, and a controller coupled to the notification system and the actuator. The controller receives a selection of a remote control function via a communication network, generates a notification in response to receiving the selection of the remote control function, and transmits an output signal to the actuator based on the selection of the remote control function. The notification system executes the notification prior to the controller transmitting the output signal to the actuator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, apparatuses, and systems for verifying inmate presence during a secure facility transaction. In one embodiment, a method may include receiving input information to initiate a user session at an interactive data terminal, generating user presence information to track the presence of the user at the interactive data terminal, determining that the user has left the interactive data terminal in response to the presence information, and automatically terminating the user session in response to a determination that the user has left the interactive data terminal.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A sales rotation system is disclosed that increases walk-up sales. The sales rotation system creates an equitable and efficient management of sales personnel on the dealership floor. The sales rotation system corrects one or more business issues with handling of walk-up sales including sales personnel bickering over who is up next in the rotation, track lead collection and close ratios, creating an automated way to notify a sales person when the sales person is up, digitally fence an “up area” and provide a notification when sales personnel who are up wander from the showroom entry, setting up a count to be flexible based on dealership volume and size, and improving customer experience by managing the number of sales personnel on the dealership floor and equitably rotating them.

Abstract: Method and application for communicating sensitive information, incident reporting, and for acceleration of urgent situation responses and supervision allowing for school administrators, teachers, professors, users, submitters, or receivers, to instantly report credible threats, or dangerous situations. In at least one current embodiment, a Smart Button is a digital situation button for use by any submitter to instantly report their GPS map location, name, title, contact information, picture and/or workplace. Submitters can receive and/or send 1-way or at least 2-way communications. At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a method for sending, receiving, reporting or responding to mood related, time-sensitive, live situation, or secretive messages, through a one-step anonymous, or with a specific degree of anonymity, or non-anonymous submit and targeted authorized receipt process, generating, assigning, and utilizing unique identifiers with a corresponding administrative report generating process.

Abstract: An operating table and a method for an operating table are disclosed. The operating table has an adjustable component, a drive device that adjusts the adjustable component, and a first sensor that detects a position of the adjustable component. The operating table also has a second sensor that detects the position of the adjustable component and a controller that controls the drive device. The controller operates in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. In the first operating mode of the controller, the first sensor is activated and the drive device is energized. In the second operating mode of the controller, the second sensor is activated and the drive device is de-energized The controller changes from the second operating mode to the first operating mode when the second sensor detects a change of the position of the adjustable component.

Abstract: A method for matching a first entity with at least one second entity selected from a plurality of second entities, comprising defining a plurality of multivalued scalar data representing inferential targeting parameters for the first entity and a plurality of multivalued scalar data of each of the plurality of second entities, representing respective characteristic parameters for each respective second entity; and performing an automated optimization with respect to an economic surplus of a respective match of the first entity with the at least one of the plurality of second entities, and an opportunity cost of the unavailability of the at least one of the plurality of second entities for matching with an alternate first entity.

Abstract: A management system receives inputs over a period of time from outputs of one or more sensors placed within a proximity to a service area, the one or more sensors for detecting at least one of at least one weight and at least one sound. The management system dynamically estimating, based on a rate of a percentage of change of the at least one weight over the period of time and types of sounds of the at least one sound for the service area, one or more wait times until a completion of use of the service area. The management system dynamically generating one or more wait time estimates in real time for a particular user requesting a particular service area size met by a current service area size of the service area based on the one or more wait times and a current number of other users waiting for the particular service area size.

Abstract: A dispatch management computer system that integrates with an existing nurse call system for clinical workflow optimization and to create accountability for patient satisfaction and outcomes. The system integrates a “quarterback” (e.g., dispatcher) tablet with a custom dispatch application that presents a floor plan for tracking the RTLS position of staff members and to provide a visual indication of which room and bed the call originated from. When a patient requests assistance, the QB application presents an assessment of the patient needs and, if further assistance is required, provides the dispatcher tools for real time assignment of the appropriate staff member and dispatch to begin the task within a predetermined amount of time required to complete the task allocated. The system enables the prompt assignment of staff personnel and assures that a patient receives prompt staff attention.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes cameras adapted to capture images and depth data of the images. A computer device processes the image signals and depth data from the cameras according to various software modules that monitor one or more of the following: (a) compliance with patient care protocols; (b) patient activity; (c) equipment usage; (d) the location and/or usage of assets; (e) patient visitation metrics; (f) data from other sensors that is integrated with the image and depth data; (g) gestures by the patient or caregivers that are used as signals or for controls of equipment, and other items. Alerts may be issued if any conditions of importance are detected.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of scheduling batch processing of a batch processing system based on subscriber usage patterns. The method includes steps of recording a last job commencement event for a subscriber when the batch processing system starts processing a batch process for the subscriber; recording a last usage event for the subscriber when the subscriber uses the batch processing system; in an event that a time period elapsed since the last usage event for the subscriber is less than a time period elapsed since the last job commencement event for the subscriber, placing a next batch process of the subscriber into a recently used queue; identifying the next batch process of the subscriber as the oldest batch process from the recently used queue; and start processing the identified batch process for the subscriber.

Abstract: Patient support apparatuses, such as beds, cots, stretchers, recliners, operating tables, and the like include wireless mesh network transceivers that enable them to communicate with each other, and other devices, via mesh networks and/or ad hoc networks. One or more additional wireless transceivers are included, such as WiFi transceivers, that enable direct communication with a healthcare facility network, such as an Ethernet. The mesh network communication between patient support apparatuses and other devices is used for any one or more of: extending the communication range of the existing IT infrastructure, efficiently routing data to the healthcare facility network, determining location of the patient support apparatuses and devices, transporting patient data from one patient support to the next as the patient moves, and for other aspects.

Abstract: A communications system for general business environments that exploits knowledge of user state to provide advantages of efficiency and control for individual users and for the business. The communications system also provides particular advantages in environments where users have multiple communication devices and for communications of a business with external parties. In other aspects, the communication system provides features of application flexibility and system fault-tolerance with broad applicability to communication systems. The communication system includes a controller that receives requests for establishing communications when a user is in an appropriate state to receive communications and communicates state of the user to other users.

Abstract: A system for optimizing response time to events or representations thereof waiting in a queue has a first server having access to the queue; a software application running on the first server; and a second server accessible from the first server, the second server containing rules governing the optimization. In a preferred embodiment, the software application at least periodically accesses the queue and parses certain ones of events or tokens in the queue and compares the parsed results against rules accessed from the second server in order to determine a measure of disposal time for each parsed event wherein if the determined measure is sufficiently low for one or more of the parsed events, those one or more events are modified to a reflect a higher priority state than originally assigned enabling faster treatment of those events resulting in relief from those events to the queue system load.

Abstract: Sound generation and transmission systems and methods using a radio transmitter are provided. A first electronic device receives specific data via a network connecting unit, generates a specific sound according to the specific data, and outputs the specific sound via a sound output unit. A radio transmitter receives the specific sound via a sound input unit, and broadcasts the specific sound in a specific frequency range via a radio transmission module.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for paperless electronic queue ticketing is provided. The method includes reading, by a processor of a user device, an electronic ticket code displayed on a ticket device, the electronic ticket code having information and instructions for an electronic ticket; decoding, by the processor of the user device, the information and instructions in the electronic ticket code; and sending, by the processor of the user device, a signal to a sensor on the ticket device to obtain the electronic ticket. A system and computer product for paperless electronic queue ticketing are also provided.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, at a processing device of a monitoring server, a theft detection signal from a first augmented reality device worn by a first employee of a retail store. The method also includes the step of linking, with the processing device, the first augmented reality device in communication with an electronic computing device operated by a second employee in response to said step of receiving the theft detection signal. The second employee can assist the first employee in assessing whether a theft is occurring.

Abstract: A terminal, such as an automated teller machine, comprises: a customer identification device; a sensor for detecting presence of a customer at the terminal; and a controller coupled to the customer identification device and the sensor. The controller is programmed to (i) track the customer's location, (ii) create a session on identification of a customer, and (iii) close the created session when a customer absence criterion is fulfilled. The functions of the customer identification device and the sensor may be performed by a single unit. The customer absence criterion may comprise a time period during which the customer is not detected at the terminal.

Abstract: Using wireless features, a public service agency is enabled to provide alert information to first responders. An automatic call back from the first responder triggers a voice call launching a location fix on the current location of the first responder. Preferably delivery confirmation that the responder has received the message is received. Once the location fix has been completed, then driving directions with map images are sent to the first responder based on their current location and desired destination for response.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for providing access to a network via a first one of a plurality of network access nodes in the network. The network access nodes each have a network address associated therewith which is unique on the network, the first network access node having a first network address associated therewith. The first network address is associated with a first computer while the first computer is connected to the first network access node thereby providing access to the network. When implemented at a hospitality structure such as a hotel, as a guest is checking in or in response to some other appropriate event, information regarding the guest's room environment and other preferences in a database record is transmitted from a head-end module to the network access node in the guest's assigned room. The assigned room is then automatically configured to suit the guest's preferences.

Abstract: A wireless network hotel room management system includes a communications network. The system includes a computer connected to the communications network and includes a memory configured to store programming and a processor to execute the programming. A guest room unit is situated in each guest room and is in data communication with the network. A housekeeping module is in communication with the network. The computer monitors real time status of the room. Each guest unit is configured to receive projected absence data from a guest and to communicate the same to the computer through the communications network. Programming executed by the processor determines if received projected absence data is indicative that a guest will be gone long enough for housekeeping to clean the room and, if so, communicates a housekeeping order. The system includes a room reservation module for reserving a room and receiving a room key.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus is configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system. The indicator apparatus includes a visual indicator. The visual indicator is operable to selectively display one or more colors in response to calls received by the healthcare communication system.

Abstract: An intercom system controlling method stores intercom system location information in an electronic device, and sets a reply interface which is displayed on a screen to provide alert messages and operable buttons regarding different communication statuses between the electronic device and an intercom system, which has an outdoor installed at an entrance of a building and an indoor intercom installed with the building. After receiving a request data packet that is generated and sent by a network device of the intercom system, the method displays the intercom system location information, the alert messages and operable buttons of a waiting-for communication status on the reply interface.

Abstract: A method of operating navigation system having location based services and temporal management comprising selecting a temporal component including a time of interest in a client, a server, or a combination thereof; filtering navigation and location based information with the temporal component by the client, the server, or a combination thereof, for forming time of interest relevant information; and communicating the time of interest relevant information between the client and the server for display by the client.

Abstract: A method for establishing an emergency call between a user equipment within a radio coverage area and one of at least two points able to answer the call, the method comprising: receiving said emergency call request; determining a first estimate of the position of said user equipment within said coverage area; interrupting said call establishment by triggering a control point; and using the control point to select, based on said first position estimate, which one of said at least two answering points the call is established with.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of connecting a rerouting processor to a communication port of an alarm panel, the connected processor capturing an alarm notification sent from the alarm panel through the communication port, said alarm notification including a destination telephone number of a first central monitoring station, the connected processor altering the captured alarm notification by deleting the destination telephone number from the captured alarm notification and the connected processor routing the altered alarm notification to a second central monitoring station that is different than the first monitoring station.

Abstract: A healthcare alert system including a plurality of alert modules, each alert module including an activation component and an RFID reader. The RFID readers in the alert modules are configured to read identification information of a responder to an alert from an RFID tag associated with the responder, and to transmit the identification information to a central system. The central system is configured associate a time stamp with the identification information and to process the identification information and time of response. In one embodiment, the activation component is a pull cord.

Abstract: A method provides a communication link between a first location such as a digital cinema theater and a second location such as a support station. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of initiating a communication link between a first location and a second location in response to an activation by a user, automatically providing an identification associated with the first location to the second location via the communication link and wherein the identification enables the second location to obtain information relating to an undesirable operating condition of the first location.

Abstract: A lobby detection device 100 placed in a lobby reads out an ID of an elevator user 300 from an individual identification tag 400 and transmits the ID to an authentication device 600, the authentication device 600 registers the ID if the ID has not been registered and performs a call registration for an elevator car 500 after an authentication processing, a car detection device 200 inside of the elevator car 500 reads out the ID from the individual identification tag 400 and transmits the ID to the authentication device 600, and when the same ID as a registered ID that has been registered becomes no longer transmitted from the car detection device 200, the authentication device 600 deletes a registration of the registered ID after a specific time elapses, so that even when the ID is read out by the lobby detection device 100 in the lobby where the elevator user 300 lands on at the time the elevator user 300 leaves the elevator car 500, a call registration is not performed since the registration is held.

Abstract: Using wireless features, a public service agency is enabled to provide alert information to first responders. An automatic call back from the first responder triggers a voice call launching a location fix on the current location of the first responder. Preferably delivery confirmation that the responder has received the message is received. Once the location fix has been completed, then driving directions with map images are sent to the first responder based on their current location and desired destination for response.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus is configurable for use in a healthcare communication system, such as a nurse call system. The indicator apparatus includes a visual indicator. The visual indicator is operable to selectively display one or more colors in response to calls received by the healthcare communication system.

Abstract: A dual intercom-camera-interfaced smoke/fire detection system and method includes, inter alia, an interactive panoramic camera communication system operatively responsive to real-time emergency signals. The interactive camera service provider communications network independently and communicatively couples panoramic cameras in real-time to authorized peripheral electronic devices (APEDs) such that an emergency event is independently transmitted and directly viewed in real-time at the APEDs. The interactive camera service provider communications network is independently operable from a real-time emergency signal transmitting mechanism and a real-time emergency signal simultaneous transmitting mechanism, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for servicing a plurality of service positions which are assigned to a plurality of installation elements, in particular passenger seats in an aircraft, comprising: a plurality of service units, in particular lighting units, wherein the number of service units exceeds the number of service positions to be serviced, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive a respective item of control information including an identification in respect of an installation element and to control a predetermined service unit on the basis of the identification, and a method of servicing a plurality of service positions which are assigned to a plurality of installation elements, in particular passenger seats in an aircraft, and a corresponding computer program.

Abstract: In an example, physiologic information about a patient can be obtained and mapped to a first set of fuzzy logic membership functions, and a symptom status can be derived from the mapping of the physiologic information using a first fuzzy logic inference. In an example, the symptom status can be mapped to a second set of fuzzy logic membership functions, and a disease status can be derived from the mapping of the symptom status to the second set of fuzzy logic membership functions using a second fuzzy logic inference.

Abstract: A dual activated pneumatic actuator system for a patient call system includes a dual function hand held actuator for a pneumatic patient call system and having first and second air pressure domes; a pneumatically actuated switching device including two cylinders, contact pins and C-clips connected to the contact pins; and an air conduit system connecting the dual function hand held actuator to the pneumatically actuated switching device. When a first air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces a cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a first circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an alarm system in the nurse station and when the second air pressure dome is depressed pressurized air forces the other cylinder against its respective pin and C-clip to create a second circuit whereby an electrical signal is sent to an electronic device, for example television or radio.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes a wireless batteryless hall call switch module (22) that transmits a unique wireless code when a person presses a hall call button (32, 34) requesting elevator service. A hall indicator module (24) includes an RF transceiver (64) that receives the wireless code from the switch module (22), activates a display to indicate that a button has been pushed, and transmits the hall call information to the elevator control system (14). When the elevator controller (14) informs the transceiver (64) of car arrival, the hall indicator module (24) causes the display to indicate car arrival.

Abstract: An intercom system controlling method stores intercom system location information in an electronic device, and sets a reply interface which is displayed on a screen to provide alert messages and operable buttons regarding different communication statuses between the electronic device and an intercom system, which has an outdoor installed at an entrance of a building and an indoor intercom installed with the building. After receiving a request data packet that is generated and sent by a network device of the intercom system, the method displays the intercom system location information, the alert messages and operable buttons of a waiting-for communication status on the reply interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for managing theme park ride lines by providing an identifying device to a guest, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, using the identifying device to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location and reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location. A system for managing theme park ride lines is also provided.

Abstract: A system can have a storage element that stores contact information for one or more messaging devices of one or more parties associated with an end user, a detection element that detects an emergency call initiated by the end user, and a transmission element that transmits a notice associated with the detected emergency call to at least one among the one or more messaging devices. Additional embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Using wireless features, a public service agency is enabled to provide alert information to first responders. An automatic call back from the first responder triggers a voice call launching a location fix on the current location of the first responder. Preferably delivery confirmation that the responder has received the message is received. Once the location fix has been completed, then driving directions with map images are sent to the first responder based on their current location and desired destination for response.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for managing theme park ride lines by providing an identifying device to a guest, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, using the identifying device to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location and reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location. A system for managing theme park ride lines is also provided.

Abstract: A patient controlled single gang signaling device for use within a hospital communication network. The device contains two actuators, one for initiating an emergency distress call while the other initiates a non-emergency distress call. The emergency distress call actuator is controlled with a pull cord, thus enabling a patient to send out an emergency distress signal from a position away from the unit. The device also includes a third actuator providing the user with the option of terminating the transmission of any message.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided. The method includes the steps of connecting a rerouting processor to a communication port of an alarm panel, the connected processor capturing an alarm notification sent from the alarm panel through the communication port, said alarm notification including a destination telephone number of a first central monitoring station, the connected processor altering the captured alarm notification by deleting the destination telephone number from the captured alarm notification and the connected processor routing the altered alarm notification to a second central monitoring station that is different than the first monitoring station.